The driver of an articulated 44-tonne lorry has admitted drink-driving after being found four-and-a-half times over the limit.

Kingsbridge-based officers were involved in the arrest of Andrew George Allen, 51, from Orchard Lane in Newport, after finding his lorry parked in a lay-by on the A38 near Chudleigh, following reports of erratic driving from a member of the public on Saturday afternoon.

Allen pleaded guilty at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court to driving under the influence of alcohol this morning.

The BBC has reported that the court heard he was a former Welsh international rugby player, and prosecutors said he “was so drunk he was unable to walk”.Allen has been sentenced to 16 weeks imprisonment, was banned from driving for 164 weeks - just over three years, and was fined £115.